Gardaí say people who’ve been receiving phone calls and texts from scammers pretending to an official of the Department of Social Protection and advised that their PPS number has been compromised.
The person receiving the call is then requested to verify their name, PPS number, and, in some cases, bank account details.
The personal information is then used to carry out fraud.
Gardaí say people should take the following advice:
• Do not engage with the caller or return the call
• Never share personal information data with such callers or with people who make contact by text
• A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee would never request bank account details or personal data in a cold call or text.
• A member of An Garda Siochana or a Department of Social Protection employee would never advise a member of the public to move money from their account or to purchase cryptocurrency or move their money anywhere to keep it safe
Anyone who reckons that they have received such a call or text are advised to contact their bank and the Department’s helpline number 1890 800 024 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).
They are also advised to take a note of the number and report the matter to their local Garda Station.
